Classic cars painstakingly restored on show in Christchurch

Jessica Doran - 27/09/02

Shining Studebakers, Zephyrs, Mustangs and Corvettes were among the classics that drew enthusiastic fans of all ages to the Classic Car show held in Christchurch in August.

There were thirty five car clubs, with each one displaying two vehicles. There were classics there whose owners had restored them to the original standard, with immaculate paint jobs and faultless interiors and then there were those classics with a touch of modification and beyond.

Henry Ford would have been proud
There were many fine examples of Ford represented at the show, including a sexy pair Mustangs. Both originated from the mid sixties, one being a cool white notchback, the other a red hot fastback.

Ford Mustang - Fastback	Ford Mustang - Notchback

There was also a Mark I Escort, modified to race. The engine was a 2ltr Ford Cosworth Twin Cam, the interior held a roll cage and for mags …. what else but superlites?

Other Fords on display were a pair of Mark II Cortinas, a Ford Falcon and Fairmont, and a distinct pair of Mark I Zephyrs. I was however a little disappointed not to see any Mark II Escorts, Capris or more of the Cortina family, especially a Mark I.

Period setting for Mark I Zephyrs
My personal favourite of the show, was the pair of Mark I Zephyrs. The display was set up with a fifties theme, featuring fifties clothing and a board featuring pictures of Elvis and other such memorabilia from that era. The white Zephyr was sporting a very cool number plate, personalised with "FONZ" and a little picture of the man himself. (For those of you who are not familiar with the Fonz, he is a star of the fifties set show, "Happy Days".) It was also decorated with many stickers and badges, and had an old radio inside playing music from that era.

Groovy Zephyr

Micro-cars and more
An interesting feature of the show, was the display of micro-cars. They were very compact, and it is a wonder that anyone would be able to fit inside! There was one that looked similar to a Fiat Bambina, and instead of doors on the sides, the front opened out with hinges on the left. Also displayed, were two mustang pedal cars, originating from the 1960s. Both looked brand new, and I imagine it would have been awesome to ride around in them if you were a child.

Mustang Pedal Cars

Cars with style
It is always pleasing to see cars that have a somewhat gentlemanly feel to them. An example of this was the pair of Studebakers, beautifully restored and bound to turn a few heads. Another car that still has retained its style is the Mini. There were two Minis featured, both virtually off the assembly line, only one was the brand new shape, and the other was the original shape. Even though the new shaped Mini is funky, the old style is pure classic and looked great with a shiny black interior, and a set of spotlights on the front.

Recognition for dedicated effort
Overall I was very impressed with the quality of classic car that I saw at the show. It is satisfying to see the result of many an hour of hard work being appreciated by young and old. As someone who has helped and watched her father restore the odd car, late at night in a cold garage and on the weekends, I can appreciate the commitment and the passion that a classic car restorer has and for this I congratulate all on a job well done.

Photos for this article were taken by Jessica Doran.

Published with permission from NZine